Turntable - Where do I start ?

Hey Dave, TT's must be on everyone's brain this morning as I just posted the same thread. Also away for 10 years, not sure where to go???

$2k - $3k is a pretty good range for variety of good tables. You can get a Teres, VPI Scout, Nottingham, Origin Live, Basis, Clearuadio, Rega, Music Hall, etc. There are proponents of all of these tables. They will all give good results. The factor to consider is which one gives the best sound in the price range. I like the Teres.

There are a number of reasonable turntable/cart combinations available new for $300-$1000 that will do a very good job of making music. While the $2-3k budget you're looking at will definitely move you into a higher quality sound (and Twl's suggestions above are excellent in this price range), its not entirely necessary to 'start out' at this price point. Rega, Pro-Ject, and Music Hall all make fine lower priced tables that are worth considering for folks that want to get their feet wet with vinyl.

used Sota!

I just got the Wilson Benesch Circle setup, complete with arm and cart - all works together really well. I couldnt' swing the Teres 255 and Triplanar arm (+ ?? cart) that I wanted, right now, so this is holding me over fine. Certainly a great setup, gets me 90+% of the way there for about 1/2 the price of the above setup. Retail is about $3k, I believe. very well made stuff, from what I can tell.

-Ed